AE Among Small-Scale Producers

Lead Organization:

National Council for Science, Technology, and Technological Innovation (CONCYTEC), the governing body of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation System (SINACTI)

Community of Practice:

Andes

Countries:

Peru

Duration:

5/2024—5/2028

Overview:

The agricultural sector contributes significantly to Peru’s gross domestic product (GDP), making it essential to both the country’s economic development and the livelihoods of more than 2.8 million people. Socially and culturally woven into the national fabric, agriculture is the main source of income for approximately 30 percent of households in Peru, a figure that increases to 80 percent in rural communities.

Peru’s leadership in exporting agricultural products worldwide is testament to the quality and diversity of its production. However, the predominance of family agriculture, which constitutes 97 percent of agricultural units and employs 83 percent of the sector’s workforce, poses significant challenges in terms of productivity, poverty, and long-term sustainability.

Those numbers notwithstanding, family agriculture’s contribution to the GDP is relatively modest, representing only 5.2 percent. This contrast primarily results from the challenges associated with low productivity. Additionally, in 2020, 49.3 percent of households, equivalent to 700,000 people, involved in family agriculture faced the risk of falling into poverty or extreme poverty, a particularly acute issue in the high Andean regions.

The aging rural population, with its noticeable presence of individuals aged 40 years and older, also threatens the sustainability of agriculture by failing to attract youth. This is compounded by low participation of women and scarcity of capital, factors that further limit development and innovation in the agricultural realm.

The research and technological development projects seek to promote more productive, sustainable, and resilient agriculture in the face of global and local changes.

Grant Aims:

The overall goal is to tackle sector challenges by adopting a holistic, integrated approach such as agroecology that emphasizes agricultural practices that respect ecological balance and promote social justice.

Specifically, the project aims to:

  • Focus on improving the productivity and sustainability of family agriculture using practical and sustainable innovations
  • Address broader structural issues such as food security, poverty reduction, and resilience to climate change.

Outputs and Outcomes:

Outputs:

  • Three research projects focused on improving products or processes, developing innovative business models, and strengthening institutional capacities
  • Three business model proposals promoting community participation, enhanced efficiency, and sustainable operations using technology
  • Strengthened cooperation and participation of at least three productive units along with entities dedicated to knowledge generation

Outcomes:

  • Implementation of new financing instrument for R&D projects that promote agroecological approaches
  • Increased financial resources for R&D projects
  • Increased participation of women and young scientists in applying technological solutions
  • Training of professionals at sub-national level using research methodologies supported by the project